Two of my favorite verses in the Bible are, Psalms 37:4-5, "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart," and "Commit your way to the Lord, roll each care on Him, trust and be confident also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass." To commit anything is to "roll away." When you roll anything you release it out of your control. To commit my way (manner of life) to the Lord is to release my life into His control and trust and be confident in Him that He is able to keep me; that He is able to provide for me; that He knows what is best for my welfare.
In verse four, when I "delight" in Him, means I am "soft and pliable" to His will. Then I can easily commit to Him and trust Him. Then He will give me the yielded desires of my heart. This is one of God's equations:
yielded will
+committed life
+trust in God
=desires fulfilled
There are no coincidences or happenstances in the life of a child of God. The Father delights in giving us the desires of our hearts when we are delighting in Him. The hard part is yielding, committing and trusting. Trusting in one's self is our biggest sin. The Father does not interject Himself into our will but waits until we choose to yield to Him. His equations never fail!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
No Illegal Aliens
There are no illegal aliens in Heaven. the only reason anyone is there is because they are citizens. No alien can scale the "pearly gates," of the New Jerusalem, nor be good enough, nor work their way in. The only way in is to be born again of the Spirit, and be adopted into the Family of God. This gives you instant citizenshiip.
We were aliens and strangers to the Father Who holds the "Book of Life," that has all the names of the citizens of Heaven written in it. The citizens names are also written on the palm of His hand. He will know them by virtue of their being adopted into the family of God, they are His children, all because of their acceptance of Jesus' blood to cleanse their sins.
On the day I became a citizen of Heaven, I stood before the Judge of the universe, God the Father, and Jesus was at my side pleading my case. I hear Him say, "She was guilty but I have paid the price for her citizenship (redemption) and she accepted that payment and I am now her elder brother."
The Father accepted me in the Beloved. My name is in the Book! I am now a child of the King and Jesus is my elder brother and I sit with Him, in spirit,at the right hand of the Father. Jesus is preparing a new home for me, with many rooms in my new country of citizenshiip - Heaven. I won't take occupancy until the Father is ready for me, but I am homesick for my new birth country! Lord Jesus, come quickly!
SWEET BY AND BY
S.Fillmore Bennett
There's a land that is fairer than day, and by faith we can see it afar.
For the Father waits over the way, to prepare us a dwelling place there.
In the sweet by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore.
We were aliens and strangers to the Father Who holds the "Book of Life," that has all the names of the citizens of Heaven written in it. The citizens names are also written on the palm of His hand. He will know them by virtue of their being adopted into the family of God, they are His children, all because of their acceptance of Jesus' blood to cleanse their sins.
On the day I became a citizen of Heaven, I stood before the Judge of the universe, God the Father, and Jesus was at my side pleading my case. I hear Him say, "She was guilty but I have paid the price for her citizenship (redemption) and she accepted that payment and I am now her elder brother."
The Father accepted me in the Beloved. My name is in the Book! I am now a child of the King and Jesus is my elder brother and I sit with Him, in spirit,at the right hand of the Father. Jesus is preparing a new home for me, with many rooms in my new country of citizenshiip - Heaven. I won't take occupancy until the Father is ready for me, but I am homesick for my new birth country! Lord Jesus, come quickly!
SWEET BY AND BY
S.Fillmore Bennett
There's a land that is fairer than day, and by faith we can see it afar.
For the Father waits over the way, to prepare us a dwelling place there.
In the sweet by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
THE PERFECT TEN
THE PERFECT 10
Do we truly desire to be like Jesus? If we do, that involves giving up our will in everything. When the last dregs of Jesus' humanity were being wrung from His soul, He cried out, "not my will but Yours, My Father." As we try to follow His example and teaching (Mt.6:10) we must first relinquish our will then ask the Father to teach us "to do Your will." In His Word He has taught us:
1) Be filled with the Spirit(Eph.3:18)
2) Yield yourself completely (Rom.6:19b)
3) Wait for the Lord (Isa.40:31)
4) Walk by faith (II Cor.5:7; Eph.5:15)
5) Put on God's whole armor (Eph.6:11-18)
6) Stand (Eph.6:13)
7) Pray without ceasing (Eph.6:18)
8) Be thankful always (I Thess. 5:18)
9) Rejoice always for all things (Phil.4:4)
10)Love (I Cor.13)
If we learn and practice these ten things we will be like Jesus.
O TO BE LIKE THEE!
Thomas O. Chisholm
O to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer, this is my constant longing and prayer.
Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures, Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.
O to be like Thee, full of compassion, loving, forgiving, tender and kind,
Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting, seeking the wandering sinner to find.
O to be like thee, while I am pleading, pour out Thy Spirit, fill with Thy love. Make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling, fit me for life and heaven above.
O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee, Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art!
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness.
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.
Do we truly desire to be like Jesus? If we do, that involves giving up our will in everything. When the last dregs of Jesus' humanity were being wrung from His soul, He cried out, "not my will but Yours, My Father." As we try to follow His example and teaching (Mt.6:10) we must first relinquish our will then ask the Father to teach us "to do Your will." In His Word He has taught us:
1) Be filled with the Spirit(Eph.3:18)
2) Yield yourself completely (Rom.6:19b)
3) Wait for the Lord (Isa.40:31)
4) Walk by faith (II Cor.5:7; Eph.5:15)
5) Put on God's whole armor (Eph.6:11-18)
6) Stand (Eph.6:13)
7) Pray without ceasing (Eph.6:18)
8) Be thankful always (I Thess. 5:18)
9) Rejoice always for all things (Phil.4:4)
10)Love (I Cor.13)
If we learn and practice these ten things we will be like Jesus.
O TO BE LIKE THEE!
Thomas O. Chisholm
O to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer, this is my constant longing and prayer.
Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures, Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.
O to be like Thee, full of compassion, loving, forgiving, tender and kind,
Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting, seeking the wandering sinner to find.
O to be like thee, while I am pleading, pour out Thy Spirit, fill with Thy love. Make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling, fit me for life and heaven above.
O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee, Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art!
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness.
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Jesus Is All in All
I am a word person and I really like the word "all" because it includes me. "We are conquerors in all things (Rom.8:37)." "I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me (Phil.4:13)." " The righteousness of God is to all & upon all that believe (Rom.3:22)." My God shall supply all my need (Phil.4:19)." "Casting all your care on Him for He cares for you. ((I Pet.5:7)." These are just a few of the all promises that include me and I choose to believe them and prove the Father to be faithful in keeping them all.
Marilyn Meberg said, "Our love for God and in our trust of Him, we receive from Him all we are not." I am not a lot of things but Christ in me is my hope of glory and He makes up all the slack. He is my All in All!
I read a verse on the front of one of our Christmas cards by an unnamed person. "God knew our greatest need. If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer. But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a savior."
I began to think of how Jesus is our All and All - He is all we need.
To the lost, He is the Way (Jn.10:14:6). To the builder, He is the Foundation (I Cor.3:10-15) and Chief Cornerstone (Eph.2:20). To the old, He is the New Nature (Eph.4:24). To the defiled, He is the Pure One (Luke 1:35). To the hungry, He is the Bread of Life (Jn.6:35, 48). To the condemned, He is the Righteous Judge (Jn.8:16). To the bound, He is the Liberator (Jn.8:36). To the helpless, He is the Good Sheperd (Jn.10:11). To the blind, He is the Light (Jn.12:35,36; 1:4). To the thirsty, He is the Water of Life (Jn.4:10,14). To the deceived, He is the Truth (Jn.14:6). To the dead, He is Life (Jn.14:6; 10:10). To the searcher for God, He is the Exact Image of the Father (Jn.14:7-10). To the hopeless, He is the Anchor of the soul (Heb.6:19; I cor.15:19-20; Gal.5:5). To the depressed, He is their Joy (Ps.16:11). To the weak, He is our Strong Rock (I Cor.10:4) and Almighty God (Ex.3:14; Isa.26:4). To the searcher, He is the Wonderful Counselor (Isa.9:6). To the one in turmoil, He is the Prince of Peace (Isa.9:6; Eph.2:14). To the needy, He is the Provider (Ps.23:1; Phil.4:19). JESUS IS OUR ALL IN ALL!
Marilyn Meberg said, "Our love for God and in our trust of Him, we receive from Him all we are not." I am not a lot of things but Christ in me is my hope of glory and He makes up all the slack. He is my All in All!
I read a verse on the front of one of our Christmas cards by an unnamed person. "God knew our greatest need. If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer. But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a savior."
I began to think of how Jesus is our All and All - He is all we need.
To the lost, He is the Way (Jn.10:14:6). To the builder, He is the Foundation (I Cor.3:10-15) and Chief Cornerstone (Eph.2:20). To the old, He is the New Nature (Eph.4:24). To the defiled, He is the Pure One (Luke 1:35). To the hungry, He is the Bread of Life (Jn.6:35, 48). To the condemned, He is the Righteous Judge (Jn.8:16). To the bound, He is the Liberator (Jn.8:36). To the helpless, He is the Good Sheperd (Jn.10:11). To the blind, He is the Light (Jn.12:35,36; 1:4). To the thirsty, He is the Water of Life (Jn.4:10,14). To the deceived, He is the Truth (Jn.14:6). To the dead, He is Life (Jn.14:6; 10:10). To the searcher for God, He is the Exact Image of the Father (Jn.14:7-10). To the hopeless, He is the Anchor of the soul (Heb.6:19; I cor.15:19-20; Gal.5:5). To the depressed, He is their Joy (Ps.16:11). To the weak, He is our Strong Rock (I Cor.10:4) and Almighty God (Ex.3:14; Isa.26:4). To the searcher, He is the Wonderful Counselor (Isa.9:6). To the one in turmoil, He is the Prince of Peace (Isa.9:6; Eph.2:14). To the needy, He is the Provider (Ps.23:1; Phil.4:19). JESUS IS OUR ALL IN ALL!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
The Summum Bonum
Webster defines "summum bonum" as, "The supreme good from which all
others are derived." I Cor.13 tells us of all the gifts given by the Holy Spirit 'love' is the greatest, the most to be desired. Love is the summum bonum of all gifts, both material and spiritual. A material gift, given out of love, exemplifies the spiritual gift of "giving one's self." Our gift of love can be a word or deed to fulfill another's need, maybe at great sacrifice of one's self. Love means, "giving" (Jn.3:16). You can give love by giving time, energy, money and encouragement. Giving of one's self to others never diminishes us but enhances and grows our worth and potential to give more.
Mercy, forgiveness, unselfishness, patience, kindness, joy, hope, Truth, etc. - each is one of the facets from the beautiful jewel of love, and love comes from God. All other gifts will eventually fail but "love never fails!"
others are derived." I Cor.13 tells us of all the gifts given by the Holy Spirit 'love' is the greatest, the most to be desired. Love is the summum bonum of all gifts, both material and spiritual. A material gift, given out of love, exemplifies the spiritual gift of "giving one's self." Our gift of love can be a word or deed to fulfill another's need, maybe at great sacrifice of one's self. Love means, "giving" (Jn.3:16). You can give love by giving time, energy, money and encouragement. Giving of one's self to others never diminishes us but enhances and grows our worth and potential to give more.
Mercy, forgiveness, unselfishness, patience, kindness, joy, hope, Truth, etc. - each is one of the facets from the beautiful jewel of love, and love comes from God. All other gifts will eventually fail but "love never fails!"
The Christian's love prayer:
MAKE ME A BLESSING
(George Schuler)
Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness if rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.
Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love,
Tell of His pow'r to forgive;
Others will trust Him if only you prove
True, every moment you live.
Give as 'twas given to you in your need,
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed,
Unto your mission be true.
Make me a blessing, make me a blessing!
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Joy Unspeakable
Today is Valentine's Day, which is the day we celebrate love. Everyone has the need to be loved. Knowing someone loves us is what brings joy to our heart. It is sad that there are people who do not know anyone who loves them. That is because they do not know there is a God Who loves them so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for them so they could experience love and so they could experience forgiveness of their sins and subsequently a joy unspeakable that goes with this so great salvation!
Happiness comes from pleasing circumstances but joy comes from walking in the light of God's Countenance. If we know God loves us and if we love God we want to please Him. We please Him with our obedience, fellowship, praise, thanksgiving, confessions and loving others. Joy is the inner overflowing of a forgiven soul who is walking closely with his Father, trusting His love and enjoying His mercies and grace. Knowing God the Father unconditionally loves us is what brings us great joy regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves.
There is a verse from an old song by E. Warren that says it very well.
I have found His grace in all complete, He supplieth every need.
While I sit and learn at Jesus' feet, I am free, yes, free indeed.
It is joy unspeakable and full of glory. Oh, the half has never yet been told.
"Without having seen Him, you love Him; though you do not even now see Him, you believe in Him and exult and thrill with inexpresssible, glorious, triumphant and heavenly joy. (I Pet.1:8). (Amp.)
Do you have this joy?
Happiness comes from pleasing circumstances but joy comes from walking in the light of God's Countenance. If we know God loves us and if we love God we want to please Him. We please Him with our obedience, fellowship, praise, thanksgiving, confessions and loving others. Joy is the inner overflowing of a forgiven soul who is walking closely with his Father, trusting His love and enjoying His mercies and grace. Knowing God the Father unconditionally loves us is what brings us great joy regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves.
There is a verse from an old song by E. Warren that says it very well.
I have found His grace in all complete, He supplieth every need.
While I sit and learn at Jesus' feet, I am free, yes, free indeed.
It is joy unspeakable and full of glory. Oh, the half has never yet been told.
"Without having seen Him, you love Him; though you do not even now see Him, you believe in Him and exult and thrill with inexpresssible, glorious, triumphant and heavenly joy. (I Pet.1:8). (Amp.)
Do you have this joy?
Friday, February 11, 2011
HELP! IN THE NAME OF THE LORD
God's names reflect His character and attributes. 1) God is "love" so He
desires to help us.
2) God is "El Shaddai" - Almighty - He is not only able to help but to prevail. 3) God is "Elohim" - faithful to His promises to help.
4) God is "El Roi" - He sees and knows our need for help.
5) God is "Adonai" - He is sovereign and in control of our circumstances
which calls for help.
6) God is "Jehovah" (Jesus) (the redemptive name of God) - He is our
redeemer and Savior - When: a) lost=Savior; b) sick=Ropha (healer); c) in
turmoil=Shalom (peace); d) lonely=Shammah (God is there); e) want=Jireh
(provider); f) defeated=Nissi (banner of victory); g) in sin=Tsidkenu (our
righteousness), M'Kaddish (He sanctifies us); h) doubtful=Rohi (guide), in
bondage= (deliverer).
For our God nothing is too difficult (Gen.18:14;), nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37)! All believers should sleep like babies every night knowing we are children of our Father, the Lord! If our God is perfect in all His attributes (and He is), surely He will help and can and will meet our needs!
Charles Stanley has put it this way, "Though the future of a nation appears to be in the hands of its rulers and lawmakers, an omnipotent hand is orchestrating a good and glorious plan: the Lord is the one who 'removes kings and establishes kings' (Dan.2:21). Ultimately, every governmental leader is put into office, not by voters, political campaigns, or personal abilities, but by the hand of God."
God uses even pagan rulers to bring about His purposes - remember Nebuchadnezzar & Cyrus (Jer.25:9 & Isa.44:28). And remember Hitler, who God used to fulfill His promises to bring His chosen people, who were dispersed throughout the world, back to Israel. Today I have been watching the news coverage of the ousting of Mubarak in Egypt. There are still many questions and fears about what will happen to the Egyptians and to the entire world. But the ALMIGHTY, OMNIPOTENT, SOVEREIGN GOD is orchestrating the outcome - it will all be in His glorious plan! Help is on the way!!
Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth - (Ps. 124:8).
(See the blog,"Will the Real Jesus Stand Up?" - Aug.28, 2008.)
desires to help us.
2) God is "El Shaddai" - Almighty - He is not only able to help but to prevail. 3) God is "Elohim" - faithful to His promises to help.
4) God is "El Roi" - He sees and knows our need for help.
5) God is "Adonai" - He is sovereign and in control of our circumstances
which calls for help.
6) God is "Jehovah" (Jesus) (the redemptive name of God) - He is our
redeemer and Savior - When: a) lost=Savior; b) sick=Ropha (healer); c) in
turmoil=Shalom (peace); d) lonely=Shammah (God is there); e) want=Jireh
(provider); f) defeated=Nissi (banner of victory); g) in sin=Tsidkenu (our
righteousness), M'Kaddish (He sanctifies us); h) doubtful=Rohi (guide), in
bondage= (deliverer).
For our God nothing is too difficult (Gen.18:14;), nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37)! All believers should sleep like babies every night knowing we are children of our Father, the Lord! If our God is perfect in all His attributes (and He is), surely He will help and can and will meet our needs!
Charles Stanley has put it this way, "Though the future of a nation appears to be in the hands of its rulers and lawmakers, an omnipotent hand is orchestrating a good and glorious plan: the Lord is the one who 'removes kings and establishes kings' (Dan.2:21). Ultimately, every governmental leader is put into office, not by voters, political campaigns, or personal abilities, but by the hand of God."
God uses even pagan rulers to bring about His purposes - remember Nebuchadnezzar & Cyrus (Jer.25:9 & Isa.44:28). And remember Hitler, who God used to fulfill His promises to bring His chosen people, who were dispersed throughout the world, back to Israel. Today I have been watching the news coverage of the ousting of Mubarak in Egypt. There are still many questions and fears about what will happen to the Egyptians and to the entire world. But the ALMIGHTY, OMNIPOTENT, SOVEREIGN GOD is orchestrating the outcome - it will all be in His glorious plan! Help is on the way!!
Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth - (Ps. 124:8).
(See the blog,"Will the Real Jesus Stand Up?" - Aug.28, 2008.)
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The Way-Maker
Are you in a wilderness or just got out of a wilderness? If you have lived very many years in this world your answer would have to be, "yes." Even Jesus went into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil before He went into His active ministry. The Father has purpose for us in every situation. He knows that we learn, grow and our faith is strengthened in our spiritual wildernesses. He has told us that while we are in this world we will have wilderness experiences (tribulation), but He tells us also that He has overcome this world. So to be an over-comer we have to focus on Him, walk in His Light, holding His hand. He will lead us into "paths of righteousness for His namesake."
It is barren, dry and dark in the wilderness. The enemy is waiting in the wilderness to tempt us. Satan is the tempter, father of lies. prince of the power of the air, murderer, destroyer, accuser, a roaring lion, old serpent and the devil. But if we are believers we don't have to fear, because the Lord knows the way through the wilderness. He is the Way! He is the Light to illumine our path with Truth, He is Truth. He delivers us from all the power of the enemy. He causes us to triumph in all things (II cor.2:14; Col.2:15). You may pass through many wildernesses in your lifetime but you don't have to live there. All Jesus wants is our full trust. Full and complete trust brings Him great pleasure. Fears and doubts bring Him great sorrow.
It is barren, dry and dark in the wilderness. The enemy is waiting in the wilderness to tempt us. Satan is the tempter, father of lies. prince of the power of the air, murderer, destroyer, accuser, a roaring lion, old serpent and the devil. But if we are believers we don't have to fear, because the Lord knows the way through the wilderness. He is the Way! He is the Light to illumine our path with Truth, He is Truth. He delivers us from all the power of the enemy. He causes us to triumph in all things (II cor.2:14; Col.2:15). You may pass through many wildernesses in your lifetime but you don't have to live there. All Jesus wants is our full trust. Full and complete trust brings Him great pleasure. Fears and doubts bring Him great sorrow.
MY LORD KNOWS THE WAY THROUGH THE WILDERNESS
Sidney Cox
My Lord knows the way through the wilderness,
All I have to do is follow,
Light for the way is mine always,
And all I need for tomorrow.
The knows the way through the wilderness,
All I have to do is follow.
We must remember in all of our wildernesses that Jesus is Jehovah Jireh - the Provider. He is the Way-Maker! Since the buck stops with God, we have to know God has planned some wildernesses in our life to refine and perfect our faith in Him to take us through and show the way. But in the end He has planned good and not evil, a hope and a future for us (Jer.29:11). The challenge is to trust the One Who in love is planning a way through all our wildernesses.
GOD HAS NOT PROMISED
Annie Johnson Flint
God has not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
God has not promised we shall not know
Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;
He has not told us we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.
God has not promised smooth roads and wide,
Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;
Never a mountain, rocky and steep,
Never a river, turbid and deep.
But God has promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
Ask yourself some hard questions: 1) Do I really trust Jesus to know the way through my wilderness?; 2) Do I really want to follow in the way He leads?; 3) Am I willing to completely commit to Him, to count the cost and relinquish my will completely? If your answer is, "no" to any of these questions your stay in the wilderness may be very long. Remember, He is the Way-Maker, all you have to do is follow.
Common Word, Uncommon Meaning
We use words every day until they become common to us, not valuing their meaning. One of those words is, faith. Faith is an enigma and its meaning elusive. It is hard to define and harder still to practice, but is an essential essence of life. We have faith in common things every day - driving our car, believing the brakes and all the vital parts will operate safely; drinking water out of the faucet, believing it is not poisonous; etc.
We cannot live without faith nor can we please God without faith. Our walk with our Father has to be by faith, not by sight. In Hebrews 11, the Word tells us that faith is "perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses." Faith is not a "feeling" but a "knowing." Because God said it, I believe it and that settles it. Faith is a choice - with our will we choose to believe what God has said. When we make that choice, there comes a certainty, a confidence, a knowing and a peace that God is faithful to His Word and our answer is on the way. We must just wait with patience, hope with endurance and rejoice in the forthcoming answer.
Faith and trust are the heart and feet of the Christian life. Trust is putting our faith to work. Faith is believing in the One Who is faithful. Trust is leaning (committing), with all our being on the One in Whom we have believed. Like the story of the tight-rope walker who walked across Niagara Falls several times on a tight rope. After several trips across and back, he asked the spectators if anyone believed he could push a wheel barrel across the falls. After many gasps from the onlookers one brash young man stepped up and said he believed he could push a wheel barrel across Niagara Falls on a tight- rope. With astonished looks from the audience and a smile from the tight-rope walker, he brandished the wheel barrel, stepped to the end of the tight-rope, turned to the young man and said, "If you really have faith in me to push this wheel barrel across this rope, then get in the wheel barrel and show your trust." Of course the young man didn't have faith in the tight-rope walker's ability enough to trust his life to him in such a dangerous situation to keep him safe.
Unlike this young man, we can completely trust our life, with all of its difficult and tangled situations, to a God "Who is able to keep us from falling and present us faultless before His presence with exultant joy." He is El Ohim, the faithful, covenant keeping God! He is El Elyon, the Creator and King of Kings! He is El Shaddai, the Almighty, all sufficient God! He is Adonai, the Master, Sovereign Lord! He is Jehovah (YHWH), the self-existent One Who reveals Himself! Drink Him in, savor His character, taste and see that the Lord is good! Ps. 100!
To have real life is to have faith (believe) and trust in this One and Only, JESUS!
We cannot live without faith nor can we please God without faith. Our walk with our Father has to be by faith, not by sight. In Hebrews 11, the Word tells us that faith is "perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses." Faith is not a "feeling" but a "knowing." Because God said it, I believe it and that settles it. Faith is a choice - with our will we choose to believe what God has said. When we make that choice, there comes a certainty, a confidence, a knowing and a peace that God is faithful to His Word and our answer is on the way. We must just wait with patience, hope with endurance and rejoice in the forthcoming answer.
Faith and trust are the heart and feet of the Christian life. Trust is putting our faith to work. Faith is believing in the One Who is faithful. Trust is leaning (committing), with all our being on the One in Whom we have believed. Like the story of the tight-rope walker who walked across Niagara Falls several times on a tight rope. After several trips across and back, he asked the spectators if anyone believed he could push a wheel barrel across the falls. After many gasps from the onlookers one brash young man stepped up and said he believed he could push a wheel barrel across Niagara Falls on a tight- rope. With astonished looks from the audience and a smile from the tight-rope walker, he brandished the wheel barrel, stepped to the end of the tight-rope, turned to the young man and said, "If you really have faith in me to push this wheel barrel across this rope, then get in the wheel barrel and show your trust." Of course the young man didn't have faith in the tight-rope walker's ability enough to trust his life to him in such a dangerous situation to keep him safe.
Unlike this young man, we can completely trust our life, with all of its difficult and tangled situations, to a God "Who is able to keep us from falling and present us faultless before His presence with exultant joy." He is El Ohim, the faithful, covenant keeping God! He is El Elyon, the Creator and King of Kings! He is El Shaddai, the Almighty, all sufficient God! He is Adonai, the Master, Sovereign Lord! He is Jehovah (YHWH), the self-existent One Who reveals Himself! Drink Him in, savor His character, taste and see that the Lord is good! Ps. 100!
To have real life is to have faith (believe) and trust in this One and Only, JESUS!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Real Love
If I had to describe 'love' in one word I would have to say "giving." "For God so loved the world that He gave -" I will have to weigh my love for anyone by how much I am willing to "give" - my energies; my money; my time (to help, to have fun, developing friendships, encouraging, giving hope, quickly forgiving, inclusion; sharing my hospitality; etc.) This kind of love only comes when I empty my heart of self and have the Holy Spirit completely fill it so it has no room for ME. Without Him I cannot truly love! (I Cor. 13)
Elizabeth Elliot put it this way, "God's love is not a sentimental thing, for it was strong enough to hurt His own Son." David lived a good example of love, not only toward Jonathan, but toward his enemy, Saul who repeated tried to kill him, the same one who had a bounty on his head. Despite all, David wsas gracious to him in life and death. May we be as loving toward our enemies - those who have harmed us in any way, spirit, soul or body.
I read a story about an American soldier who was stationed in England after World War II. Driving to his barracks, he saw a young boy staring at some delicious pastries in a bakery window. He stopped and asked, "Son, would you like one of those?" "Yes, I sure would!" the said. The soldier bought some sweets and gave them to the boy. As he walked away, he felt a tug at his coat and heard the youngster ask, "Mister, are you God?" We look most like Jesus when we are "giving."
Janet Fleming told a personal account of a small chick that had gotten away from its mother. It appeared dead apart from one eye which was slightly open. She held it in her hands and watched again. It opened its beak. As she went about her tasks she held that chick in her pocket. One hour later it stood and the next day she couldn't pick it from the rest. Her analogy was: How many brothers and sisters might be still following the Lord if a fellow Christian had shown them warmth and encouragement? This is love.
The Father is the ultimate "Giver" - He needs nothing but wants all (of our hearts). He knows that we cannot fulfill the greatest command (or the second greatest) until our hearts are completely emptied of self and filled with Himself. Only then can we truly give love to God and man.
Father, help us to love as you love - being sensitive to the needs of others; loving the unlovely; lifting up the fallen; encouraging the discouraged; including the lonely; reaching out to the down-and-out as well as the up-and-out; showing kindness to those who hurt us. Father, we know we can only love through Christ Who gives us strength and in His name! Amen!!
Elizabeth Elliot put it this way, "God's love is not a sentimental thing, for it was strong enough to hurt His own Son." David lived a good example of love, not only toward Jonathan, but toward his enemy, Saul who repeated tried to kill him, the same one who had a bounty on his head. Despite all, David wsas gracious to him in life and death. May we be as loving toward our enemies - those who have harmed us in any way, spirit, soul or body.
I read a story about an American soldier who was stationed in England after World War II. Driving to his barracks, he saw a young boy staring at some delicious pastries in a bakery window. He stopped and asked, "Son, would you like one of those?" "Yes, I sure would!" the said. The soldier bought some sweets and gave them to the boy. As he walked away, he felt a tug at his coat and heard the youngster ask, "Mister, are you God?" We look most like Jesus when we are "giving."
Janet Fleming told a personal account of a small chick that had gotten away from its mother. It appeared dead apart from one eye which was slightly open. She held it in her hands and watched again. It opened its beak. As she went about her tasks she held that chick in her pocket. One hour later it stood and the next day she couldn't pick it from the rest. Her analogy was: How many brothers and sisters might be still following the Lord if a fellow Christian had shown them warmth and encouragement? This is love.
The Father is the ultimate "Giver" - He needs nothing but wants all (of our hearts). He knows that we cannot fulfill the greatest command (or the second greatest) until our hearts are completely emptied of self and filled with Himself. Only then can we truly give love to God and man.
Father, help us to love as you love - being sensitive to the needs of others; loving the unlovely; lifting up the fallen; encouraging the discouraged; including the lonely; reaching out to the down-and-out as well as the up-and-out; showing kindness to those who hurt us. Father, we know we can only love through Christ Who gives us strength and in His name! Amen!!
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